Eliot Kamenitz/The Times-PicayuneChris Paul was named Western Conference player of the week.

For anyone watching the Hornets, the announcement today that Chris Paul was named Western Conference Player of the Week should come as no surprise.

It's for the week of, Mar. 16 through Sunday, Mar. 22.

It was the fourth time Paul has won the award and the fifth time overall a Hornet has won the award this season (David West won for the week of Feb. 23-Mar. 1).

Paul has won the award more than any other player in the Western Conference this season (Bryant, Gasol and Nowitzki have won the award twice each). Again, this should come as no surprise.

"This is a very important time of the season with the playoffs right around the corner," Paul said. "In order to win this award in a conference with so many great players and teams, you and your team have to be playing at a high level. I am thankful for this award and am excited for our team to finish the season strong."

Paul's numbers: leading the team to a 3-1 week, averaging 28.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 9.5 assists and a league-best 4.5 steals. Paul collected two double-doubles during the week and connected on 31-of-32 free throws (97 percent).

The two-time All-Star collected 29 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and six steals in a 95-84 loss to Houston on Mar. 16. Two nights later, he helped the Hornets secure a 94-93 home win over Minnesota with 26 points, 10 assists and five steals. It was Paul's fourth game this season of at least 25 points, 10 assists and five steals. Only two other players have achieved that feat in the course of one season since 1986 (Michael Jordan, 1988-89; John Stockton, 1989-90). Paul had 32 points, nine assists and five steals in a 96-84 win over Memphis on Mar. 20. On Mar. 22, Paul propelled the Hornets to a 99-89 victory against Golden State with 27 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Paul leads the NBA in assists, double-doubles and steals, while ranking second in triple-doubles and 10th in scoring.